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Winchelsea Station

Winchelsea Station was opened on 13 February 1851, but was unfortunately located on Brede Level (close to the River Brede) north of the town. Signs at the station advise passengers that the town is half a mile to the south east.

The ancient town of Winchelsea is located on a small area of high ground and access to the town from the station involves a steep climb.

Despite extensive efforts by local people to make the station very welcoming not all trains stop. As trains are required to slow to 20 mph as they pass over the level crossing it is hard to see why they cannot pause for passengers.

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Winchelsea Station platform looking east as Turbostar 171728 travels westbound. The sign says Winchelsea, Ancient Town, Cinque Port; Winchelsea town is half a mile south east from the station. Therein lies the problem at this station. Instead of providing a good service and a transport link such as a mini-bus to stimulate traffic the station has been written off. Despite efforts by local people (look at the beautiful displays of flowers on the platform) Southern only allows a proportion of trains to call at the station. 27.09.2008

A relic of past times, Winchelsea Station house stands on what was the westbound platform. The canopy can still be seen as can the door on to the platform. Part of the platform length still survives, but is covered in weeds and cannot be seen. The house has been converted into flats and was for sale at the time of the visit. 20.09.2008

Another shot of the excellent flower displays at Winchelsea Station, looking east, with the level crossing in the background. 20.09.2008

Turbostar 171729, travelling east towards Rye, enters Winchelsea Station. Note the station house in the background. In common with many stations on the line when double track was in situ the platforms were staggered. 27.09.2008

The level crossing east of Winchelsea Station, looking north. As usual a telephone box has been provided on the right; useful for calling a cab when you discover that there is no practicable train service. 20.09.2008

Looking east towards Rye at Winchelsea level crossing. There are no barriers at this crossing and in consequence trains are restricted to 20mph. The lamp on the right illuminates with a white light to confirm to the driver that the red flashing lights at the crossing are operating. 20.09.2008

Changing angle slightly and looking north east, the wall and trees mark the position of the former crossing keeper's cottage, which has been demolished without trace. There is an acute angle between southbound traffic and westbound trains at this crossing and the presence of this wall (as opposed to a chain link fence) is crazy as it severely restricts sight lines. There has already been an accident between a train and a car at this crossing. 27.09.2008

Winchelsea level crossing looking south towards the town, which is on the ridge in the distance. The station entrance is on the right. 20.09.2008

Changing angle slightly and looking to the right this is the entrance to Winchelsea Station. Vertical boards prevent passengers taking a short cut on to the platform from the level crossing. Unusually the entrance is within the area covered by the flashing lights. An inattentive passenger could come off the platform and turn right into the path of the train. 20.09.2008

A second view of the entrance to Winchelsea Station, showing the slope up to the platform. 20.09.2008

Looking west along Winchelsea Station platform from the level crossing. 20.09.2008

Pedestrians watch as Turbostar 171728 moves across the level crossing at 20mph and enters Winchelsea Station. The low speed restriction imposed for the crossing makes a nonsense of the suggestion that services could not pause at this station. 27.09.2008

Another shot of Winchelsea level crossing, looking east from the platform at Winchelsea Station, but this time without a train in shot. 20.09.2008

Widening the angle slightly, and still looking east, on the right is the indicator light that confirms to drivers that the flashing red lights are correctly illuminated to road traffic. Winchelsea Station 20.09.2008

As Turbostar 171729 travels eastbound towards the level crossing at Winchelsea Station, the camera catches the white light on the left of the train illuminated to indicate that the crossing lights are working. The well tended station platform is a stark contrast to the undergrowth on the left, which conceals the site of the former westbound line and a siding. 27.09.2008

Looking west along the platform at Winchelsea Station. The siding was on the far left, and a signal box stood just in front of the station house, at the end nearest to the camera. 27.09.2008

The huge service interval at Winchelsea Station makes the small wooden shelter wholly inadequate for adverse weather. This is the original shelter that was provided on what was then the eastbound platform, but when it was originally erected a small canopy was also provided. 20.09.2008

Further along the platform at Winchelsea Station and still looking west. The trees on the left that hide the station house mark the approximate position of the signal box. 20.09.2008

Turning round and looking east from the same point, down the platform at Winchelsea Station. The former westbound line was on the right, and, behind that, a siding. 20.09.2008

A general shot of Winchelsea Station platform, looking west. 27.09.2008

At the western end of Winchelsea Station what is assumed to be a locating lamp marks the end of the platform. 20.09.2008

The locating lamp is shown illuminated as Turbostar 171728 leaves the platform at Winchelsea Station with a westbound train. On the right of the train there was originally a short siding. 27.09.2008

A tiny relic of the past still exists at the western end of Winchelsea Station platform. A very small piece of the original passenger foot crossing between the platforms survives (arrowed). 27.09.2008

Winchelsea Station house looking west. The bushes beyond the house conceal the remains of the platform and occupy part of what was the westbound line. 20.09.2008

A second view of Winchelsea Station house shows the original door on to the westbound platform and part of the old canopy. The area needs a trim. 20.09.2008

The drive that approaches Winchelsea Station house, which is now private property. The house was for sale at the time of the visit. 20.09.2008

It was touching to see the efforts that the local community had made to improve the appearance of Winchelsea Station despite the exceptionally poor service. The small wooden shelter contained a display for visitors to read. 27.09.2008

A sign indicating the direction of travel is of little use if the trains do not stop. The apparatus cases behind the sign carried notices warning of rats. It might help if some effort was made to clear the undergrowth.... Winchelsea Station 20.09.2008

The milepost at Winchelsea Station. In common with others on the line it was in poor condition. 27.09.2008

Looking north from the platform at Winchelsea Station. A channel feeding the River Brede runs directly under the platform and line. 20.09.2008